While guest starring on Joss Whedon's television series Dollhouse, Patton Oswalt requested that he be allowed to write a Serenity comic. Oswalt made several pitches, one of which was accepted by Whedon, and Oswalt began to work on the script, with Whedon's input. Illustrator Patric Reynolds was encouraged to apply for the comic and was accepted by Oswalt and Whedon.[1]Jo Chen, who drew the cover for the Better Days trade paperback, will return for Float Out.[2]

This story takes place after the Serenity movie: Wash is already deceased. The comic focuses on three of Wash's old friends as they christen a new ship for an adventure. Wash is featured in flashbacks as they reminisce about him. [2] It was released on June 2, 2010, before The Shepherd's Tale: Oswalt's enthusiasm for the project and the lack of releases since Better Days led to the decision to use the comic to fill in a gap in the Buffy Season 8 release schedule.[1]